This NFL Sunday starts with the NFC title game in Chicago .... as the Bears host the Saints. Yes, I know it will be the 2007 version of "The Frozen Tundra" and the Bears defense has been outstanding all season long, but I like the Saints. Again I admit that I'm picking with my heart this week but I clearly think the Saints can win this game. Of course it's going to be very cold ......and the Bears might have a slight advantage as a result .... but let's face it neither the Bears or the Saints practice outside in the cold. They both practice indoors during inclimate weather. Rex Grossman looked much better in last week's playoff game and the Bears showed they can move the ball, but the Saints defense is solid and the Saints by far have the best offense. I believe Drew Brees will direct his team to victory. I'm concerned that the blustery, windy conditions might hamper both offenses ..... but I believe the Saints will find a way to get the job done. What a great turn-around story for this franchise! The long-suffering fans in New Orleans are no longer on the verge of losing their franchise .... and their favorite team is now on the verge of making it to the Super Bowl. I'm picking the Saints to win by 3.

As for the AFC title game that will be seen on KHOU-TV late Sunday afternoon. I'm picking the Colts over the Patriots. Geez... I never like to pick against Bill Belichick in the playoffs but I'm going to do just that this week. I love the way Tom Brady plays the game and how he gets others around him to elevate their games. (Did you ever think Jabar Gaffney would develop into one of Brady's favorite receivers??) Fact: Gafney is the leading receiver in the NFL playoffs with 18 receptions for 207 yards. Yes, that's more than Marvin Harrison or anyone else. Still I think the Patriots were fortunate to win last week. If Marlon McCree would have held onto that interception I think we would have seen a different ending to that game. That's only one reason I'm picking against them this week. The biggest is .......I just believe it's the Colts time. I believe it's time that Peyton Manning shakes the title of "best regular season quarterback to not succeed in the playoffs." Colts head coach Tony Dungy puts together a great team each season ...but I believe this season is different because the defense has been playing great in the playoffs. I know it would be strange to have a team that lost to the Texans make it to the Super Bowl ...but I believe it's going to happen on Sunday. I'm picking the Colts to beat the Patriots ... in a thriller .... by 3 points.